Jewish festival of lights and Christmas. How to celebrate in Michigan

In a rare event, the Jewish festival of lights, or Hanukkah, begins on Wednesday – the same day as the Christian Christmas celebration.

This year marks fifth time over the last 124 years Hanukkah has started on the same day as Christmas. It won’t happen again until 2035.

The holidays have occurred on the same day four times since 1900, according to Hebcala website that tracks Jewish holidays and the Hebrew calendar.

There will be Hanukkah events to check out across the state this season.

Here’s what you need to know about the Jewish celebration.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, often spelled Chanukah, and known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festival.

Hanukkah marks the victory of MaccabeesJewish freedom fighters, over the Seleucidian greek occupiers, Chabad.org says.

After recapturing Jerusalem Holy Templewhich had been turned into a place of idolatry, the website says, the Maccabees sought pure oil to light with the temple menorah. They found just enough to burn for one day, but it burned for eight days.

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When is Hanukkah in 2024?

Hanukkah begins on December 25 and runs through January 2, 2025.

What is Christmasmukkah?

Christmukkah – sometimes spelled Chrismukkah – is a combination celebration that occurs when Hanukkah is celebrated in conjunction with Christmas. Or, in a rare case, it marks the first day of Hanukkah, which occurs on the same day as Christmas.

The term is believed to have been in use for centuries, but a 2003 episode of “The OC” features a Christmasmukkah celebration added to its pop culture notoriety in the US

The last time Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah happened together was in 2005. Before that, it happened in 1959 and 1921.

How is Hanukkah celebrated?

Hanukkah celebrations include attending synagogue services; lighting each of eight candles on a holder called a menorah, one each night; daily religious readings; playing with a dreidel, a four-sided toy top; sing songs; and other traditions, according to My Jewish learning.

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Where can you celebrate Hanukkah in Michigan?

Jewish communities throughout Michigan will be celebrating Hanukkah this season. Here are some events to check out:

• Chanukah Lighting Grand Rapids: The Chanukah lighting is December 25 through January 1, 2025 at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, with the daily lighting of an 18-foot Menorah.

• Chanukah on Ice in Rochester: Chabad of Troy and Hebrew Free Loan will host Chanukah on ice from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Suburban Ice Rochester. The event will feature ice skating, an ice menorah lighting, entertainment, Chanukah food and more.

• Menorah in D: Menorah in D 2024 is at 5 p.m. Dec. 25 at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. The event will include the lighting of a 26-foot Menorah; hot soup, snacks and cider; children’s crafts, games and treats; strolling entertainment and much more.

• Menorah on the Square in Traverse City: Chabad Traverse City will host its second Menorah on the Square from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on December 26 at Rotary Square downtown. The event will feature a menorah lighting, festive music, donuts and raffles.

James Powel and Deena Yellin of USA Today contributed to this story.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Free Press: When is Hanukkah? What to know about Jewish celebration in 2024